Cabra Bullants March Their Way To Top of Ladder | Platinum Wrap
It’s been a near perfect start to the 2024 Platinum Pennant for Cabramatta who have won 5.5 out of a possible 6 rinks in their first two rounds. The Bullants started their campaign with a 67 – 44 (10pts – 0pts) win over Mt Lewis and followed it up with a 74 – 38 (9.5pts – 0.5pts) win over the Belrose Bulls. The rink of Jamie-Lee Wornsop, James Reynolds, Greg Jeans and Aaron Wilson were the pick of the bunch, beating Brett Spurr (Mt Lewis) 25 – 15 and Dylan Fisher (Belrose) 27 – 11.
Karen Murphy on the mat for Cabramatta
The Mt Lewis Lions were able to bounce back from their Round 1 loss, returning to the Lions’ den on Sunday and recording a win over the Carlingford Koalas 67 – 60 (9pts – 1pt). Brett Spurr’s rink welcomed the addition of Ben Winther and overcame a slow start against Carlingford’s Zel Trbara, coming from 9 – 1 down after 4 ends to win 28 – 21.
Joining Cabramatta as the only unbeaten teams in the competition are St Johns Park and Engadine, who each enjoyed successful opening weekends. The Saints started their season with an epic 64 – 62 (9pts – 1pt) win over Merrylands in what was an absolute classic match. David Ferguson’s rink led the late Saints charge, winning six-straight ends to beat Cody Packer’s rink 22 – 16 after being down 16 – 8. Aron Sherriff’s rink secured the lone point for the Magic, defeating Sean Baker’s team 30 – 24, and picking up a full count of 8 along the way – the first in Platinum Pennant history! The Saints produced another solid display against Wenty Leagues in Round 2, claiming a 63 – 51 (9pts – 1pt) win.
St Johns Park and Merrylands playing on the impressive Wenty Leagues undercover green
Engadine jumped out of the blocks in the inaugural Platinum Pennant match against Taren Point, securing all three rinks in a 63 – 43 (10pts – 0pts) win. With wild weather wreaking havoc on Friday night, both teams agreed to move their match to the safety of the Warilla indoor green, and the Cougars adapted well to the conditions. It was a different story in their Round 2 match as they headed up to the Hangar to play against Raymond Terrace. It often takes something special to beat the Jets at home, and that’s exactly what Cohen Litfin’s rink were able to produce, coming from 10 – 8 down to beat Lee Schraner’s rink 35 – 13, an incredible comeback that included a run of 10-straight ends. The 22-point margin was enough for the Cougars to clinch a 68 – 62 (8pts – 2pts) victory.
Kane Nelson on the attack for Taren Point in their match against Engadine
Despite their Round 2 loss, Raymond Terrace remain in the top 5 courtesy of their convincing Round 1 win over the Warilla Gorillas 80 – 43 (10pts – 0pts). Reports from the Hangar were that Warilla were by no means underperforming, they simply ran into a Raymond Terrace side in red hot form. Rounding out the top 5 are the Merrylands Magic, with Carlingford, Warilla, East Maitland and Mount Lewis all on their heels with a 1-1 record to start their seasons.
Belrose, Wenty Leagues and Taren Point are still to register a win, but with 9 Rounds of Platinum Pennant action on the way before the finals, every team is still in contention. If the first two rounds have taught us anything, it’s that anyone can beat anyone in this competition on their day!
We have an absolute blockbuster weekend coming up with three rounds scheduled for play over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to tune in to the Bowls NSW Facebook page or YouTube channel to watch our live streamed matches, and submit your tips into the P&O Cruises Platinum Pennant Tipping Competition.